News
NCCSALW Destroys 6,000 Illicit Arms In Six Geo-Political Zones
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), has so far recovered and destroyed no fewer than 6,000 illicit arms across the six go-political zones of the country.
The South East Zonal Coordinator of NCCSALW, Major-General Okechukwu Ugo (rtd.), made this known in his welcome address on the occasion of a one – day seminar on the Control of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), organised by the centre in Enugu over the weekend.
According to him, the destruction exercises, which are in line with United Nations conventions, have contributed immensely to prevent the recycling of these illicit arms back into our society, thereby enhancing safety and security in Nigeria and globally.
“The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, realising the need for sub-regional, regional and global partnerships in this fight against the menace of illicit arms, has engaged and continues to engage various international stakeholders in the field.
Maj-Gen Ugo, however regretted that these SALW have become weapons of choice for criminals, terrorists and bandits in Nigeria and beyond, posing a significant challenge to the country especially in the wake of many crises that have engulfed the South East geo-political zone and the nation at large.
”The menace of the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons is directly responsible for much of the untold human suffering in our society today”, adding that it is the easy access to them and the recklessness of their use that make violence more lethal and conflicts more protracted in the country.
The theme of this Seminar, “Multi-sectoral Synergy Towards the Control of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria”, he said, was carefully chosen to bring forth the urgent need for collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders against the menace of the spread of illicit SALW.
“The SE Zonal Office has been carrying out necessary awareness campaigns. We have also contributed our quota in the retrieval of obsolete and illicit arms from units and formations within our area of operation.
“Worried by this ugly trend and its attendant consequences, the Federal Government of Nigeria authorised the establishment of the National Centre for the Control of SALW on 3rd May 2021.
“ The Centre was established to serve as the institutional platform to stem the proliferation of small arms within the framework of the various international protocols and instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“ By establishing this Centre, the Federal Government has demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to the provisions of Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW which requires each of its 15 member states to establish national institutions to promote multilateral approach to stamping out illicit arms trade in the West African Sub-region.Since its establishment, this Centre has hit the ground running.
“With its National Headquarters in Abuja under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Centre now has 6 active Zonal Offices one in each of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria”.
Continuing, Maj-Gen Ugo further said: “The Southeast Zonal Office remains grateful to the Enugu State Government, ably led by His Excellency Governor Peter Mbah, for allocating sizeable plots of land for the construction of the permanent zonal office, as well as security agencies within Enugu State and indeed other states in the Southeast Zone, for their cooperation and collaboration, which have made it much easier for us to operate effectively.
“We also appreciate the Chief of Army Staff, through the GOC, for the plot of land given to us for the construction of our armoury and so many other administrative and operational supports which the 82 Division has been extending to us.
The seminar was attended by a number of dignitaries including the Geneal Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Hassan Dada, who was the special guest of honour, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, traditional rulers, leaders of faith based organizations, heads of security agencies, members of Non-Governmental Organizations, among others
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol